The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies today launched an appeal to assist thousands of people left homeless by two major hurricanes which have hit Cuba in the last two weeks. Hurricanes Isidore and Lili precipitated the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people which ensured there was no loss of life or serious injuries.
The appeal for 597,000 Swiss francs to assist at least 10,000 people in Cuba, focusses on the provision of roofing materials, water tanks and household items including kitchen sets, stoves and mattresses for the next six months.
“Thanks to prompt and well-organized evacuation procedures and shelter management, no deaths or injuries were reported as a result of the two hurricanes. This shows clearly that disaster preparedness saves lives and is worth investing in. However, thousands of people remain in temporary shelters and thousands of families have lost all their belongings which is why we are launching this appeal,” says Santiago Gil, head of the Federation’s Americas department.
Official figures indicate that more than 57,000 houses and dwellings have been partially or totally destroyed, of which 20,000 suffered roof damage, and 7,000 collapsed. The majority of the affected households are in poor rural areas.
“The Cuban Red Cross is focussing on assisting the worst-affected families, specifically those who have lost their household goods as a result of the disaster,” said John Humphreys, head of the International Federation delegation in Santo Domingo.
In order to assist the victims, the Cuban Red Cross mobilized some 7,300 volunteers who participated in disaster response activities including search and rescue, evacuation, first aid, provision of basic food and supplies, distribution of jerry cans and chlorine tablets, shelter management and psychological support, as well as damage assessment.
Pinar del Río and Isla de la Juventud (Isle of Youth) have been the most affected areas. The provinces of Sancti-Spiritus, Cienfuegos, Guantanamo, Santiago and Granma were also badly hit.
For further information and/or to set up interviews (ISDN line available) please contact:
For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact:
In Havana
Cristina Estrada, Regional Information Delegate - Tel: + 537 8804552
In Geneva
Eva M. Calvo, Information Officer - Tel: + 41 22 730 43 57 / + 41 79 217 33 72